At MINExpo 2024, Cummins made waves by shedding light on how bridge technologies can be pivotal in steering the mining industry toward a more sustainable future. Molly Puga, the Executive Director of Strategy, Digital, and Product Planning, laid out a compelling case for a balanced approach to energy transition, emphasizing that while the long-term vision includes zero-emission technologies, the immediate need is for practical solutions that miners can implement today.
“Cummins anticipates that the mining industry will need multiple power technology solutions for the foreseeable future,” Puga stated, capturing the essence of the industry’s evolving landscape. The mining sector faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions, and Cummins is stepping up to the plate with power solutions that boast low total cost of ownership (TCO) and high performance. It’s a tightrope walk: balancing immediate operational needs with broader environmental goals.
Puga pointed out a noticeable shift in the industry’s mindset. Miners are pivoting from a singular focus on zero emissions to embracing bridge technologies that can yield significant carbon reductions in the near term. This shift is crucial, as the road to a fully electrified mining fleet is fraught with challenges, including high upfront costs and inadequate infrastructure. The reality is that while technologies like battery-electric solutions and hydrogen hold promise, they’re not quite ready to take the wheel just yet.
Cummins is not just sitting back and waiting for the perfect solution to materialize. The company is committed to investing in its internal combustion engine range while also pushing forward with its Destination Zero strategy. This includes developing two key bridge pathways: hybrid and clean fuel capabilities. The hybrid solutions, in particular, are designed to offer miners flexibility and adaptability, allowing them to incrementally enhance their sustainability efforts without breaking the bank.
Puga further elaborated on the benefits of hybrid technology, noting that it can lead to tangible improvements in fuel efficiency—between 15% and 20% in some cases. The modular design of these hybrid systems means they can evolve alongside the needs of mining operations, making them a smart investment in both economic and environmental terms. “Hybrid bridge technology offers a tangible solution to reduce environmental impacts and reduce TCO,” she asserted, highlighting its dual advantages.
Cummins is also making strides in the realm of renewable fuels. As of 2023, all high-horsepower engines from Cummins are ready for unblended use with 100% Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), allowing miners to tap into renewable diesel while maintaining robust power outputs. The company is also exploring dual-fuel technologies that could seamlessly integrate ethanol or methanol alongside diesel, further broadening the options available to miners.
At MINExpo, Cummins didn’t just talk the talk; they showcased their latest innovations, including the QSK60 and QSK95 engines, and introduced attendees to their PrevenTech® digital solutions. This cutting-edge technology predicts potential engine issues before they arise, ultimately reducing downtime and enhancing TCO—a win-win for miners looking to maintain operational efficiency.
As the mining industry grapples with the complexities of energy transition, Cummins is positioning itself as a key player in bridging the gap between what is practical and what is possible. The future of mining may very well hinge on these bridge technologies, which promise to deliver significant carbon reductions while keeping operations running smoothly. It’s an exciting time for the sector, and the developments at MINExpo 2024 signal a shift that could redefine how mining companies approach sustainability in the years to come.
